Abu Dhabi - The Manhattan of the Desert

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the largest and richest principality on the Persian Gulf. Thanks to the oil boom, this city features fantastic streets, shopping malls, golf courses and hotels such as the famous Emirate Palace. Abu Dhabi is a shopping paradise and its extravagant architecture places it among the world's most modernized cities. However, in many places the area's rich history can still be experienced, particularly in the enchanting mosques and palaces seen in a tour of the city. In the souks in the Batin quarter, you can watch men and women still practicing their crafts with techniques that are centuries old. In Corniche Road, the parks, gardens and promenades invite visitors to take a stroll along the ocean. A boat tour offers a view of Abu Dhabi's impressive skyline and skyscrapers from the water. There are also some very well maintained beaches in the city.